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Reviewed by Kim Grant

If you've ever wondered what it would be like if a very wealthy friend invited you to her Nantucket mansion and instructed the staff to see to your every need, the Wauwinet will fulfill that dream. Nine miles from Nantucket's main drag, this exclusive Relais & Châteaux property occupies an isolated spot between oceanside dunes and a tranquil, beach-rimmed bay. It offers access to miles of secluded Atlantic dunes and a protected bayside beach.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like if a very wealthy friend invited you to her Nantucket mansion and instructed the staff to see to your every need, the Wauwinet will fulfill that dream. Nine miles from Nantucket's main drag, this exclusive Relais & Châteaux property occupies an isolated spot between oceanside dunes and a tranquil, beach-rimmed bay. It offers access to miles of secluded Atlantic dunes and a protected bayside beach.

Understated elegance is the signature of the three-story seaside inn. A broad porch overlooks an expansive lawn, which in turn stretches down to the beach and bay. The library and living room are both brightly decorated in flowered chintz with trompe l'oeil accents and fresh flower arrangements. Audubon prints, original paintings, folk art, and antiques abound. It's all quite soothing.

The 28 guestrooms and six cottages feature Pratesi cotton linens, plush towels and fine toiletries, pine armoires, and sophisticated decorating touches. The inn boasts a DVD library of more than 200 titles and happily delivers hot, buttered popcorn in a silver bowl to your room. Deluxe rooms have spectacular views of Nantucket Bay. Although cottage suites lack water views, they do have fireplaces and can accommodate two to six guests.

Even with the island beckoning, there's practically no reason to leave the property. Complimentary facilities and services include tennis courts, boating, biking, croquet, lobstering demonstrations, Great Point nature trips, and customized playlists for your iPod. Or simply request a yoga mat and treat yourself to a bayside stretch. Indoors, the gracious and charming library always has fresh fruit, lemonade or apple cider, and newspapers. Meet here, too, for the afternoon port and cheese hour.

The inn's restaurant, Topper's, is an exceptional destination in and of itself, and the experience is deserving of every accolade. The wait staff is exemplary and solicitous, but not overly so: After a personal welcome, you'll settle into a leisurely extravaganza. Executive Chef David Daniels' menu is regionally inspired, featuring the freshest local produce and selections from both sea and shore. Don't fret over how to end the meal; simply order a dessert sampler. If you're not staying here, Topper's offers complimentary van service from town.

In the morning, start by wrapping yourself in a fleece blanket, take some coffee and a croissant to a bayside lawn chair, watch the sunrise and count your blessings, and then head inside for the main event. Don't pass up breakfast, no matter what. Order as much of the dazzling array as you like, all cooked to order. Then go work it off. Or not.

Kim Grant has been writing about the best places to stay in North America since the day after graduating college in 1984. Since then she has written over 35 guidebooks and for countless websites and print publications. She is also the editorial director of a forthcoming website on the best places to stay and the travel acquisitions editor for Countryman Press.

Welcome to the island of Nantucket and its tranquil harbours- endless stretches of beach- old manor houses- and beautiful gardens- just fifty kilometres off the coast of Massachusetts. The Wauwinet- a charming house covered in patinaed grey shingles- built in 1860 and with the distinction of being one of the first hotels on the island. The freshly picked bunches of flowers in your room are characteristic of the attentiveness of the staff. The programme is relaxation or water sports at the hotels two private beaches- massages inspired by local plants and contemplating the splendid sunsets over Nantucket bay.
The hotel is closed from October 24 2010 and will reopen May 12 2011 and again on October 31 2011 and will reopen on May 10 2012

Expert
Review of The Wauwinet

Family Review of The Wauwinet

Flanked by Nantucket Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Wauwinet is an oasis for families who crave the outdoors. Windsurfers, row boats, sunfishes, mountain bikes, and tennis facilities, including two clay courts, are all complimentary to guests. They'll also guide visitors on daily bird-watching tours to Great Point, where rare piping plovers, hundreds of least and common terns, marsh hawks, ospreys, and American oystercatchers flutter. You know, those funny looking guys with bright orange beaks that resemble carrots.